Hudson County DWI Lawyers
Ignition interlock devices, more formally known as breath alcohol ignition interlock devices or BAIIDs, have only increased in their pervasiveness since their introduction by the courts in Hudson County, New Jersey. Ignition interlock devices, which permit a motor vehicle to be started only when the driver is sober, offer a technically feasible and effective means of further reducing the incidences of drunk driving. The use of these devices was initiated in California in 1986, so their appearance is fairly recent. By definition, a BAIID is designed to allow a vehicle ignition switch to start the engine when the Breath Alcohol Concentration Test result is below the alcohol set-point, while locking the ignition when the breath test result is at or above the alcohol set-point, and which at minimum meet the specifications for performance and testing of the NHTSA Model Specifications. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall handle types of DUI cases and understand the complexities involved in ignition interlock device violations. Our criminal trial attorneys will review your pending charges and develop a defense to avoid a conviction and the installation of any devices in your car, if possible. For assistance with your DUI, call our Jersey City Office directly at (201) 309-1800. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to answer any questions you might have.
When Will the Ignition Interlock Be Installed and For How Long?
A first DUI conviction may result in the installation of an interlock device for six (6) months to one (1) year upon restoration of your driver license. If the blood alcohol content (“BAC”) of the first offense is 0.15% or greater, then there is a mandatory installation of ignition interlock device for six (6) months to one (1) year following restoration of your driver license. If there is a second or subsequent offense, there is a mandatory installation of interlock device during the period of license suspension and for one (1) to three (3) years following restoration your driver license.
If you or a loved one are facing installation of an ignition interlock device, it is mandated that the BAIID, which must be certified by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, be installed in every motor vehicle the offender owns, leases, or regularly operates. The alcohol set-point, also known as the point at which the device locks the ignition, of the BAIID will be at 0.05% breath alcohol concentration. Additionally, any tampering with the device will result in criminal and civil liability.
What are the Costs of a New Jersey Ignition Interlock Device?
If you are required to install an ignition interlock device, then you may also feel a financial constraint from the costs to maintain the device. The offender’s fee assessment for the device will depend on their family income. If that person’s family income does not exceed 100% of the federal poverty level, then the monthly leasing fee shall be 50% of the fee established by regulation for persons who do not qualify for the reduced fee. If that person’s family income does not exceed 149% of the federal poverty level, the monthly leasing fee shall be 75% of the fee established by regulation for persons who do not qualify for the reduced fee. Offenders will also be required to pay an installation fee, a monitoring fee, calibration fee and removal fee, however, those who qualify for a reduced fee will not be required to pay these costs.
Jersey City NJ DUI Defense Firm
The Law Office of Jonathan F. Marshall is an experienced Hudson County NJ DWI defense firm. We have over 100 years of combined experience on staff, including over twenty-five years of prosecuting experience. If you or a loved one has been charged with a driving while intoxicated offense in Jersey City, Weehawken, Secaucus or Kearny, we can help. We have been representing defendant’s charged with DWI throughout Hudson County for over fifteen years. For a free initial consultation with any one of our eight Hudson County NJ DWI defense lawyers, please contact our Jersey City office directly at (201) 309-1800.
